The body of a missing rafter was recovered on the Chattooga River, officials said at a news conference Friday afternoon.

Thomas Hill, of Tampa, Fla., was participating in a Sherwin-Williams company retreat that included a rafting tour June 19 when he fell overboard in the Sock 'Em Dog rapids.

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"Since this effort began, our main objective has been to safely recover Mr. Hill," U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer Michelle Burnett said. "Mr. Hill's family has been foremost in our minds, and our hearts go out to Mr. Hill's wife and children. We hope that our efforts will finally bring some closure to the Hill family."

Three other people also went into the river. They tried to help Hill, but he never resurfaced.

Search crews had located the body of Hill twice but had not been able to recover it until 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Higher-than-normal water levels made the search difficult.

"We believe that high flows on the Chattooga River freed Mr. Hill's body so that he could begin his journey home to his family," Burnett said.

It took 36 agencies and nearly 6,000 hours to recover Hill's body.

“This took a toll on everyone, no doubt in my mind, but each and every time every member has been here from start to finish. People are tired, not just physically but mentally," said DNR Law Enforcement Officer Ron Hedden.

Sherwin Williams said, "We are very thankful to all the people involved in the search operation to bring Tom Hill home to his family in Tampa.

"Your hard work, the long hours away from your families, and your concern and prayers mean so much to Tom's family and to our Sherwin-Williams' family. You have our deepest respect and gratitude. Thank you.

"Our hearts go out to Tom’s family, his wife Linda and their four children. We know this is a very difficult time for them. We offer our condolences and prayers during their time of mourning.